Fonthill House, Tisbury during WW2

[BeeJay2]

I’m researching a family who left Austria for England in 1938. In 1944 the wife’s address was “Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wiltshire.” At that time her husband and sons were interned in Australia and Canada as enemy aliens.

I’m wondering what Fonthill House may have been used for during WW2. Searching online has turned up the older history of the house but nothing about the war years.

[las camelias]

Hi BeeJay2

Go to www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/ - select Tisbury with Wardour from the parish menu.
 
The War Memorial in Tisbury includes a dedication to 55th Armored Infantry Battalion of 3rd US Army who were stationed at Fonthill Gifford during WW2.  There are images of the memorial, go to the Photo Gallery menu to view them.

You will also find a para about Tisbury at War with a link to the BBC website - not sure if there is anything in there that is relevant, but worth a look.

There are two Fonthill's in Wiltshire - Fonthill Bishop and Fonthill Gifford, plus of course the Fonthill Abbey estate. 

LC

[BeeJay2]

Thank you very much for that information, LC!

 

[clonesgirl]

Hi Beejay2

I think the house you're referring to is the one formerly known as Little Ridge which later changed its name to Fonhill House.  Unfortunately, it was knocked down, amidst much protest, in the early 1970s and yet another Fonthill House built on its foundations.

[BeeJay2]

Thank you for that info. 

For now I'll have to remain unsure about where she was living and what she was doing there!

BJ

[clonesgirl]

Have you been able to find any images of this house?  On checking my hard drive I do actually have 3 pics of it, one of which is a postcard labeled "Fonthill House, Tisbury".  If you want I can send them to you but I think I'd need your email address.

CG

[BeeJay2]

Have you been able to find any images of this house?  On checking my hard drive I do actually have 3 pics of it, one of which is a postcard labeled "Fonthill House, Tisbury".  If you want I can send them to you but I think I'd need your email address.

CG

Thank you for the offer CG! I pm'd you my email address.

[MOIRA NORWICH]

Hello   BeeJay2

I wonder if you were successful in finding information about Fonthill House.   A small London school was evacuated there during the war and, although very young, I was a boarder at Fonthill from 1940 to 1945.   I have some photos and might be able to help.

MN

[BeeJay2]

I would love to hear from you Moira, for any info and photos you may want to share!
I have pm'd you my email address.